COACHING: After winning three games his first year, head coach Len Thomas is looking to erase the memories of last year’s winless season.
Doug Schreiber, Ryan Woods and Vershawn Terry will help run the offense, while Kevin Powell and former St. Mary’s head coach Mike Codd will take care of the defense. Former head coach Tom Newman coaches the JV, with help from Bruce Brannon and Tony DeBarbieri.
“All the coaches get along and we’re all on the same page,” Thomas said.
OFFENSE: The Gophers will run a Pro-I, with former JV quarterback Joe Thornton running the offense. Junior Matt Watson is a speedster who can play several of the skill positions, while Rochon Dixon is a transfer from Georgia and is in competition with freshman Brandon Walker for the starting tailback position. Still, both should see plenty of time on the field in hopes of taking advantage of their skills and helping the Gophers improve on last year’s 46 points scored for the entire season.
Senior Walter Maul has shown some progress on the line, while junior Trey Kelley returns for another year in the trenches. Newcomer Angelo Archie is just shy of 300 pounds and should help clear the way for the backs.
DEFENSE: Glen Burnie will switch to a wide tackle set. Watson and senior Jamar Williams have been battling some nagging injuries, but figure to be ready for the start of the season. They, along with Maul and junior Jon Burns will be asked to be the leaders on defense. Just like the offense, though, the Gophers lost some key players to graduation on the defensive side.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Matt Watson, Jr., WR/LB, 6-2, 185
- Joe Thornton, Jr., QB, 6-0, 187
- Jon Burns, Jr. LB/P, 5-9, 160
- Rochon Dixon, Sr., RB/WR, 5-8, 145
- Angelo Archie, Sr., OL/K, 5-10, 290
- Jamar Williams, Sr., LB, 5-8, 152
- Trey Kelley, Jr., OL, 6-0, 250
- Brandon Walker, Fr., RB/WR, 5-8, 145
- Walter Maul, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 245
SCHEDULE
- Sept. 5, S. River, 6:30
- Sept. 12, Northeast, 6:30
- Sept. 19, Broadneck, 6:30
- Sept. 26, Old Mill, 6:30
- Oct. 3, at Severna Park, 6:30
- Oct. 10, Southern, 6:30
- Oct. 17, at Chesapeake, 6:30
- Oct. 25, at North County, 1
- Oct. 31, at Arundel, 6:30
- Nov. 7, at Annapolis, 6:30
2007 RESULTS
- South River, L 34-6
- North County, L 39-0
- Broadneck, L 34-6
- Annapolis, L 14-12
- Severna Park, L 31-0
- Southern, L 32-0
- Chesapeake, L 13-6
- Northeast, L 21-6
- Arundel, L 48-7
- Old Mill, L 28-3
SPECIAL TEAMS:Archie has a powerful leg and will handle most of the kickoffs, while three others are in competition for the placekicking duties. Burns will handle the punting, with Archie filling in when needed. Thomas plans to take advantage of Dixon and Walker’s speed and talent as returners.
OUTLOOK: Eligibility has been an issue in the past, but Thomas has noticed a change among the team this year. An offseason program that not only involved weight training, but also centered around the team’s performance in the classroom has translated into the entire team being eligible to start the season. Thomas also noted some of the other internal problems that have plagued the team in recent years is non-existent.
“It’s hard not to improve on 0-10, but we’ve already improved the climate and the academics,” he said.“It’s just great to come out and work with these kids because of their attitudes.”
Coming off a winless season, there’s nowhere to go but up for the Gophers. With an attitude adjustment and a more focused team, Thomas and his staff remain optimistic.
“We’ve had a very positive camp. I think we’re going to have some success this year,” he said. “The kids are great and they’re hungry to change what’s been happening around here.”
– Compiled by Bob Hough
